Arlefuri-snuggle time

by Eldest_Child_of_Daria_Neva_and_Navia

Summary:

NONE OF THE CHARACTERS IN RELATIONSHIPS WILL DIE.
Arlecchino is sent on a mission to kill Focalors, she fails her task ending up under the sleeping archon. will this lead to more will this have consequences?

Notes:

first time actually publishing something. Please keep an eye on the tags to make sure they stay to your liking, they will probably be expanded upon.
I'm dumping the first three chapters and then probably dipping for a week before another three ... its just how the adhd do. any Errors will be fixed after a day or two after my 'editors' (friends) inform me of all my grammar and spelling crimes.

now enjoy

Chapter 1: The Snuggling! Tan Tun Tan!

"Cursed knave," the icy voice of the Tsaritsa echoed through her chambers, shaking Arlecchino from her stupor. "Go eliminate the Hydro Archon, Focalors. Retrieve her Gnosis and return it to me"

An exhausted Arlecchino kneeled before the Tsaritsa. Normally, she would glare the woman down, but today, she had no energy to spare even that. "Yes, Your Highness."

Arlecchino rose off the ground and left the chamber. It had been a disasterous week. La Signora got herself killed by the Shogun, and Arlecchino had been suffering particularly from having to pick up the slack until a replacement for the pile of ashes was found. All of the other Harbingers had been away, so most of the work had come down to her. And now, this? Can't that woman see that Arlecchino is at her wits end? Arlecchino steeled her resolve and straightened herself. She reached for a waypoint and felt herself drawn into it as it whisked her to where she wanted to go. She would just have to push through.

White light faded as the city of Fontain came to view. Red flashed around the woman as she leapt from her vantage point towards the city. She felt her power diminish quickly. Was she really this affected by recent events? How pathetic...

The red draped woman glided over the roofs of Fontain she leaped towards the mansion she knew to belong to the Archon. As she drew closer, she noticed curtains wafting outside on an exposed balcony. It seemed the Archon had grown complacent in the time of relative peace. Not that Arlecchino was complaining. She was grateful for an opportunity that offered a little less resistance, especially in her current state.

Arlecchino pulled herself onto the balcony, feeling heavier than normal. She meandered through the open doors and loomed over the sleeping Archon. Thank the Archons she finally caught a break... With her clothes disheveled and heavy eyes, Arlecchino drew her scythe. That, however, proved a mistake, as the moment it appeared in her grasp, she collapsed onto the sleeping Archon. Exhaustion had finally gotten to her. She couldn't move, only lay there. She could smell the woman. She smelled... pleasant. She tried desperately to move, but she couldn't, and as her conscientiousness faded, she felt arms enclose around her.

~~~

The woman, who Arlecchino had thought the Archon, much like the citizens of Fontain, was Furina de Fontain. And she, in her slumber, had mistaken the weight that fell upon her not to be that of a cold hearted assassin, but that of her giant teddy bear, Snuggles. Come dawn, she had maneuvered herself on top of Arlecchino. Furina had been breathing in the scent of Arlecchino throughout the night. For once, she who never slept well, slept well under the influence of Arlecchino's scent. It was unknowingly seared into her mind.

The ding of her breakfast bell pulled Furina out of bed and off of the unnoticed assassin. Like other mornings, Furina had breakfast before going back to bed for a bit. Furina was notorious for being a hard customer right after she woke up. That's why her attendants sent her breakfast to her via a pully-system. Sluggishly, she left her bed (that, oddly enough, felt more comfy than normal) and retrieved her tea and rusks. She sat at the table on her balcony, peering out over Fontain, eyes barely open in the morning air.

~~~

Arlecchino woke when a comforting warmth left her. Opening one crossed eye, Arlecchino watched a most pleasing woman pull herself off of her and leave her alone on the bed. Was that the... Archon? Why was she in bed with her? Arlecchino noticed the disheveled nature of the woman who just departed: a messy night dress and smear of red lips on her neck. She could feel her own clothes weren't sitting right: all of her buttons were shifted one wrong and her clothes felt ruffled. What had she done to this poor girl? To lay with a disgusting, cursed woman like her would have ruined the Archon. She watched the fair lady enjoy her tea at the balcony, the same one that she came through the previous night. Focalors was... nevermind. No time for that! How was she going to get out? Was it even right for her to leave after what she had done to the Archon?

As if to spite her, the woman she perceived to be Focalors came back to the bed, and seemingly unperceptive of Arlecchino, flopped onto her and buried her face in her bosom.

How vulgar was this woman? She flinched when the seemingly sleep-walking woman pulled herself higher up on Arlecchino and buried her face in her neck. She'd have to get out of there before the Archon fully awoke and killed Arlecchino for defiling her. She tried moving out from under the ruler, but she, in response to her teddy moving, clasped tighter around Arlecchino and nuzzled against her neck. Arlecchino let out a sound unfamiliar to herself . She moved quickly now, swiftly weaving out from under Furina. She looked at the sleeping woman. She considered killing her now, but something inside her prevented her from doing so. She scoffed. It would be dishounorable to kill her now... right? She drew upon her red strength and leapt from the balcony, disappearing over the city. She'll have to report the mission a failure to the Tsaritsa. Thankfully, she felt unusually well rested. At least she'll have some energy to deal with the icy bitch...

Chapter 2: well rested

Notes:

Gay Gay Gay Homosexual!

Several minutes after her teddy bear had left her, Furina woke up, far better rested than most other days, but she couldn't help but feel somewhat... alone, for some reason. She noted Snuggles was laying on the floor. Strange, but perhaps she had kicked him off the bed the night before. She got up to get dressed for work and noticed what looked like foot prints on her fluffy carpet. They were quite sizable compared to hers and clearly heels. She then noticed the red smear on her neck. Did she bring home a woman the previous evening after she had gone out drinking? She doesn't remember getting knackered to the point that she wouldn't remember bringing someone home... She sniffed the air and caught wind of a scent: one she found quite pleasing - one of rainbow roses and a hint of musk. Who would be so callus as to leave without saying goodbye? Had she really become so weak in the 'arts' over the years? It had been a century or two since she had last laid with anyone. She had no time to worry about that now, she had to leave for work.

~~~

She was mortified. She saw something she never imagined possible. The Tsaritsa fought to keep her face expressionless. Arlecchino was... smiling... sort of. If you didn't know Arlecchino, you'd never assume her to be happy now, but the Tsaritsa who had been closely watching Arlecchino, she knew that was a smile. Hardly more than a straight line, this was terrifying to the Tsaritsa. She'd been prepared for betrayal. She's always prepared when it comes to her Harbingers (except Ajax), but this is not something she had ever imagined ever seeing. Especially not after a failed mission.

She cleared their throat, "Go have Dotore do a check up, you just have to complete the some other time... Ajax fucked something up... it will be some time before you're needed again, knave."

"Dotore? Why should i go see him?" she questioned.

"Just do as you're told." The Tsaritsa snapped at her. It was unlike Arlecchino to ever respond, let alone question her. She needed the madman to find out what was going on here... was Arlecchino thinking of betraying the Harbingers? Is this related to the 'smile'?

"Yes, Your Highness." Arlecchino relented

"You may leave now." She gestured and watched Arlecchino leave the chamber.

~~~

"Did something happen to you?" Neuvillette questioned Focalors. He found her unusually chipper mood pleasant, but he wasn't aware of anything that could cause this shift in her behavior.

"Not that I know of!" Furina was practically skipping ahead of him.

Neuvillette had been accompanying the Hydro Archon to and from the Opera Epiclese for nearly four hundred years, and in all that time he hadn't observed her like this once. The Hydro Archon despises her job. Never in the hundreds of years that he's known her has he seen her excited to start her day. Her mood in the mornings are so notoriously bad that everyone fears the prospect of being judged first on any given day. She'll never outright say it, but it's hard to miss a pattern that's been going on for four hundred years.

But today she actually took the first case seriously. She didn't chastise someone for a lack of evidence, or immediately sentence someone to death. Whatever happened, to the Archons, Neuvillette prayed that it would happen again. (It would not, for a while.)

~~~

"No, no, no!" Dotore held his fingers out, forming a cross.

"What?" Arlecchino questioned

"I say BACK APERITION!" Dotore screamed. "I... said... BAAACK!"

"Dotore, what the fuck?" Arlecchino scowled at him. For some strange reason, something imperceptible to her has been... unnerving people. Did her curse spread? She doesn't feel particularly different... "The Tsaritsa ordered me to come to you."

"I can see why," Dotore gestured for her to sit down on his observation table. "You know the song and dance. Off with that jacket, might as well check the stitches from last time too."

Arlecchino complied as she stripped of her top coverings down to her undergarment. Under normal circumstances Arlecchino would never trust Dotore, he was a madman who had even once threatened her children. The threat of being turned into cubes was a swift deterrent however. Ordered by the Tsaritsa and him being the best doctor in Snezhnaya, she had to some what trust the man. The doctor knows her curse well at this stage, having derived a concoction that somewhat alleviates it. To add to that, she knows he has no interest in women. She's walked in on his... 'check ups' with Pantalone enough times to be very, very certain of that. Had the Harbingers the interpersonal connections, she'd gift the mad doctor a lock.

Dotore turned to her with a syringe filled with a black goop, and his mask almost cracked as his eyes shot wide, "Did I... double dose you last time?" He approached swiftly, grasping onto her arms, twisting them feverishly. "Your curse has receded!" He pulled up a clipboard with wispy lines and squiggles strewn on the page. "No, not a chance... what did you do, Arlecchino?"

"Nothing," she proclaimed. She herself had no idea of how this could happen.

"Well, I can't give you more now, regardless," Dotore scratched his head. He was absolutely certain it wasn't his concoction's doing. He hadn't made changes to the formula, and it's been too long since he last dosed her. What ever caused this, he desperately wanted to know. If what ever it was could be replicated, he might be able to manipulate the curse. "I'll... just tell the Tsaritsa it was the goop. I have no idea what caused this, but at least she'll stay out of my and your hair... get some rest or something. Your stiches seem fine and will benefit from that too. Now out! Pantalone is coming at twelve."

"I did not need to know that." Arlecchino sneered. She slipped into her clothes and left the office, just in time too as Patolone passed her in the hallway. At least she will have time to go visit her children. It has been quite some time since she was last able to see them because all the recent chaos.

~~~

Having watched Furina preside over the day's cases, Neuvillette was certain something was up. She only took breaks when she needed to and worked with frightening efficiency, nearly tripling what they usually got done. Neuvillette decided not to ask what had caused the short woman's happiness when he walked her home that evening.

~~~

Furina arrived in her room. She felt happy, which was strange. Almost consecutively for five hundred or so years, she's felt immeasurably drained in the wake of a days work, but not today. Her curse isn't one most would view as such... on paper, to play the role of the Hydro Archon for the rest of time, seems painful, yes, but surely not a curse. Unfortunately, what Focalors had not taken into account, was the effects of time on a mortal mind. Over time, memories are lost amongst one another. After only fifty years, Furina had started feeling the toll. Memories replaying, guilt spanning centuries, memories of atrocities stayed behind and kept her sleep turbulent. Far and few between were memories of the good times. Furina pulled herself out of her thoughts. Something now felt lonely about her room. She changed into her night dress and dove onto her bed. She inhaled deeply. A scent that was fading quickly; one that brought her much comfort, one that grounded her, alleviated her 'curse'. Furina would go about her usual routine before finally going to bed.

~~~

Arlecchino would come home to her children. As normal, the eldest of the lot, who have learned that her stoicism is not from a lack of affections, came to greet her. What was not normal, was when the younger children started approaching to greet her too. It was strange to Arlecchino, but not unwelcome. She simply adored her children, even if she doesn't often show it. Perhaps whatever disturbed her collogues so, is what drew her young closer. Arlecchino went to bed satisfied for once. She had an okay day, and her curse wasn't eating away at her. She did, however, feel cold in a way she couldn't quite understand herself. You were always cold in Snezhnaya, but this felt different. Regardless, she tried going to sleep.

Notes:

my look at how happy everyone is...

Chapter 3: Withdrawal Symptoms

Notes:

This chapter is an untouched by my editors WITNESS MY GLORIOUS ERRORS!!!

Furina woke up to knocking on her door. She glanced out her window noticing the sun quite a bit higher than where it normally is when she wakes. She winced to a numb pain in the front of her skull, a headache.

"Lady Focalors?" Neuvillette's voice rung through the door, worry clear in his voice. This was the first time that Focalors has been this late. "Are you okay, Lady Focalors?"

Furina groaned, pulled herself out of bed, and put on her clothes. "I'll be out in a minute, Neuvillette." When she opened the door shortly thereafter, Neuvillette flinched. "Something wrong?" she growled. He was looking at her as if she had stood up out of a grave. She felt like shit, probably looked the part too. She hadn't tied her ribbons, but surely it wasn't that bad? She had just not felt up to it.

~~~

Neuvillette flinched when he saw her. She looked... like shit: tired sunken eyes like ships lost at sea, clothes loose, improperly buttoned, and her bows were untied. He wanted to ask what was wrong, but the aura emanating from the tiny Archon told him not to. "Ah... No...Nothing..." The storm cloud walked away from him. The entire way to the Opera Epiclese, Focalors was practically walking away from him. He had a horrible feeling about that day, and he was right too.

The first three cases were judged with no degree of sympathy and far more harsh than he believed reasonable. He felt her behavior akin to that of a child who had their toy taken away and was throwing a tantrum. At some point, the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale overrode her ruling, judging someone harder than she actually had. Neuvillette had never seen her as prepared to throw hands with something as she was in that moment. To be that furious with something she created, something had to be wrong.

~~~

Arlecchino barely slept. It was light and woefully unsatisfying. She was set to meet the Tsaritsa that morning. She looked up at the clock hanging from the wall. She'd be late if she didn't leave now. Pain shot through her limbs. Shit! She knew her curse had spread. Why? Had it not receded the night before? What was different? She got dressed and left quickly - no point for in dwelling on nothing.

~~~

The Tsaritsa was slightly surprised when Arlecchino came to her that morning. She looked her normal expressionless self, just... slightly more miserable. She was not pleased with these new variables. Dotore had reported to her that Arlecchino's strange behavior was from an error in his goop concoction that he was giving her. She wasn't one to worry for her Harbingers, but it would be an exceedingly difficult task to replace Arlecchino if she died. She ended up ordering her to do some low current jobs for Pantalone for the next few days. If she lost Arlecchino now, her plot to kill Focalors would become significantly more of a pain. The Archon knew of Capitano, so she'd immediately raise her defenses if she saw him and none of her other Harbingers would be able to reasonably deal with the brat or her lizard. Arlecchino was, unfortunately, a cornerstone in the plot.

~~~

"Neuvillette, buzz off, please!" Furina snapped. He'd been hounding her all the way from the Opera Epiclese to the Palais de Mermonia. She had had it with the overgrown lizard!

"Miss, I'm Sorry... " Neuvillette receded on the stairs.

"There is nothing wrong, there is nothing going on, and there's nothing you would be able to do about it, if there was! Now, go home and leave me alone until tomorrow. Goodnight!" She slammed her doors, leaving the dragon in the hallway and storming off to her bed.

Neuvillette stood there for a moment. Processing. He flinched at nothing before leaving for his room. What was going on? She’s never acted like this before. He recalled the previous day when the irregularities had started. He did note two things: her scent was slightly different and there was something on her neck, he couldn’t identify then, but he now had the sneaking suspicion it could have been lipstick that was smeared to hide it… he gasped audibly. He grabbed a maid, who was passing, by the collar, “Do you know what this means!” She fearfully shook her head at the dragon. Neuvillette let go and composed himself, “sorry, Carry on.” He walked away swiftly. Had she actually managed to get over her shyness and bring someone home? But who? And why would it affect her so? Something (miss)clicked in his head. Had she… fallen victim to a situationship! He was flabbergasted. The Hydro Archon, Falling victim to a situationship. That’s unheard off… then again it does almost sound more likely to him than Focalors actually bringing someone home. Either way. this was proving to be a problem had have to solve, And quickly.

 

~~~

 

Pantalone sent Arlecchino back to Dotore. She was sent by the Tsaritsa to aid him in in cataloguing of some rare and expensive artifacts… rare and expensive artifacts that she had dropped chipped and shattered. He’d never seen her act this way before. he knew she wasn’t one to show weakness. Though he did in part send her to Dotore out of concern… it was mostly to stop her from further destroying the Fatui’s artifacts, heavens alone knew how much she shaved off their budget with her butter fingers. Now how ever he didn’t feel particularly compassionate towards his compatriot. He was going to have dinner and spend some time with his dearest doctor but now he’d have to choose one or the other, thanks to Arlecchino's mess. he had sent her to him with a note. Warning Dotore of his delay and asking him to please just figure out what was wrong with the woman that wasn’t wrong before , because it was becoming a problem.

 

~~~

 

“Oh lovely… this can only mean wonderful things…” Dotore sighed disappointedly, Placing down a brochette of blue flowers on the table. He Angrily grabbed the note from Arlecchino, mumbling as he read it. “ What is he on about” With out asking her grabbed Arlecchino’s sleeves and rode them up “Oh fuck…”

“I know” She sighed, tire evident in her breathe.

“you best find out wat made it recede before” he held he arm to her that was almost completely black.

“This all started in Fontain maybe I need to go back there?”

“For your sake I hope you figure this out. Go crazy… and the Tsaritsa wont even hesitate for a second to put you down like a dog…”

there was an awkward pause as Dotore let go of her sleeves. a knock followed breaking the silence. Pantalone entered he hadn't changed from when Arlecchino saw him earlier. He approached Dotore and pecked him on the cheek. Dotore somewhat stunned stared at Pantalone ad pointed to Arlecchino as if to tell him that she was present. “oh please, I knew she was there.” He remarked.

“And you still did that?” Arlecchino questioned. letting sa small weak giggle slip from her lips.

“its not like you don’t already know, besides I missed him.” Concern spread over Pantalones face, at the sight of her arm, “Oh my, is that … how it used to look?” “no.” Dotore chimed in. resting a hand on Pantalone’s hips “Its spread and We… I don’t know what caused it. Especially since it had receded just the night before…” Pantalone placed his hand on Dotore’s.

Arlecchino felt strangely comfortable with the two. She used to not trust the doctor, but now after witnessing his change of energies around Pantalone, she did like him quite a bit more. “ it’s not your fault Dotore… had I kept my self smart id have kept tabs on what I ingested…” She sighed deeply

“could it be mental rather than physical?” Pantalone asked, his question seemed to shake something lose in the other two.

“…what?” they both seemed to be surprised at the fact they overlooked such a simple factor.

“The curse is affected by your mental state so logically, I would assume that it wouldn't be something necessarily ingested.”

“I’ll have to see tomorrow…” Arlecchino was delving into her memory. she cut her thoughts short, “ i think i should head back to the orphanage for the evening. enjoy your night out gentlemen” She pulled her sleeve right and got up.

“thank you, we wish you the best for your evening too.” Dotore left Pantalone’s side to hold open the door for her. “Before you leave, I hope you find a safe place to rest, we both do he’s just less inclined to say it:”

“Thank you Pantalone” Arlecchino waved the two goodbye and went on her way

~~~

 

“I thought you'd be much later. I thought I'd have to cancel our reservation.” Dotore walked with his arm looped through Pantalone’s.

“oh, I stuck it to Ajax” Pantalone laughed, “The Tsaritsa needed a way to punish him and there happened to be one.” Dotore let out a hardy laugh.

Chapter 4: Longing

Summary:

Furina wakes up in a somber state.
on the other side.
Arlecchino is woken up, and has to deal with an emergency, delaying her visit to Fontain.

Neuvillete stood in front of Focalors’ bedroom. He was hoping she would be in a better mood that morning. He knocked on her doors, a moment of silence followed before Furina piped up. She responded in a low and malacotic tone. “I'm up… Neuvillette… just finishing up… I’ll be out in a minute.”

Was this an improvement? She wasn't a thunder storm as he had presumed she would be, but this wouldn’t be much better. He pondered a brief moment, until Furina stepped out slumped over the air in front of her. “let’s go.” she murmured. “There’s a Market for tomorrows public holiday… maybe you should go… take your mind off things?” Neuvillette offered, following behind her.

“Neuvillette, I real-” Furina started.

“I will… subsidize any snacks you desire.” Neuvillette needed her to get over this situationship, he was willing to suffer a small financial set back to achieve this. Hel just have to eat fish from the bay… or whittle a sandwich or two from Wriothesley’s lunchbox ( he would do so regardless).

“very well, I’ll go.” she conceded weakly

 

~~~

 

Arlecchino Awoke feeling approximately how she normally felt. She was at least not feeling pain from her curse, but she was being shaken. One of her children were desperately trying to get her attention. One of the younger kids had gotten attacked by a wild Abyss Mage. The child’s extremities were cold and quickly were taking on a crystalline shine. This was no normal hypothermia. She grabbed her young and held her close to her chest, hoping that her abnormally cold body would be able to heat the child who was quickly growing colder. She shouted a command to her children to stay safe, before bolting out of the house with the youngling clung to her chest. Face as Expressionless as ever. Not giving her children peek at the panic beneath. She knew She’d have to take them to the very person she thought she’d never let near her kids.

 

~~~

 

Dotore slept in his lab, He never needed a house or room of his own. His lad had enough, a place to eat, sleep and relax. For once Arlecchino was grateful about how strange the Doctor was.

“DOTTORE!” She kicked down his locked door.

“Fuck!” He had dropped something he was busy with and swung around, “WHAT DO YOU WA…. on the table!

Arlecchino laid the child on the table. Dotore pulled out a vile of glowing red liquid. The frost had crept higher up on their limbs. Cold and shivering the child was tense. Dottore had to hold down the child’s shoulder to insert a syringe full of the red liquid into them. They quickly relaxed as the ice receded. They both breathed sigh of relief.

“Abyss Mage?”

“correct…”

“Faaaack…” Dotore scowled, he paused seemingly hesitant to give Arlecchino the information he knows, “ Arlecchino, unfortunately this kids nerves are probably damaged…”

“And there's nothing you can do for them?” She looked down at the child, Face still unchanging.

“No, my Abilities aren’t suited to such fine healing. If he lost an arm I’d be able to put it back with ease, but for nerve damage… I’m no more proficient than the medicine I gave them. I Swear…” he huffed, “Ever since Columbina came back from that one disaster with the Abyss these things have been pushing their luck… the kid is the third case in four days of some kind of abyssal effect. Thankfully they came out better that the other two… ”

“Yeah…” Arlecchino caressed the child’s hair

“not going to Fontain today?” Dotore tossed the used syringe into an incinerator

“no… I’ll keep an eye on them for today… I’ll Have to go tomorrow.” Arlecchino felt an unknown waver in her voice. Like when she hasn’t seen her kids in a few days. Longing? But for what?

 

~~~

Focalors judged fairly that day. Though she had definitely worked better than the previous day, Neuvillette did notice she was considerably drained. He didn’t need her working slower. The risk of work piling up and overwhelming them, in the long run was a real and serious threat. Should they fall behind on cases Criminals could use that delay, to destroy evidence or threaten witnesses. If that were to happen it would under mine the very justice Fontain is known for. He needed her back to her previous self or better yet, a happier more efficient self. Yes. First goal was simply to return to the status que and he’d use the following days festival to attain that.

They had stayed a slight bit longer to catch up on the previous days misgivings. by the time they had left it was sunset. Neuvillette was so in thought, plotting. He hadn't noticed Furina stray from his side. She had gone to lean over railing peering over the waters, watching the sunset. He only noticed when he was a good few steppes away from her. He was about to call out to her but decided against it. Watching her he recognized the look in her eyes. one he’d only seen in her eyes the very first time they met and one he knew intimately… one he couldn’t help but feel when he visits a particular spot… longing. By the Archons she had to be lonely to be feeling longing to a situationship. He waved away the demeaning thought. No no he’d been the same at a time judging her would be judging himself.

 

~~~

 

Furina felt the fleeting rays on her visage. The last light looked beautiful to her, she especially enjoyed the hint of red that tainted the sky. She wanted to reach out and grasp that beauty. She didn't often get to appreciate the sunset, usually home before it came … or absolutely shitfaced and not in any capacity to enjoy it properly. She was gently pulled from her thoughts by Neuvillete.

“Miss, I think we need to head back now, before it get’s dark…” he seemed cautious to disturb her.

“Yes… of course… let’s go.” she stepped away from the railing to join back with Neuvillette

 

~~~

 

Arlecchino returned with her child in her arms. She already had to explain to them why they couldn’t feel their hands as well anymore. It felt awful, Seeing them struggle to maneuver their fingers. The kid had smiled at her saying they were grateful. It burned. She couldn’t protect her child. If only she was a bit faster. If only she wasn’t so useless. Couldn’t she protect anything close to her? She clenched her fist underneath them. Her nails digging into her skin, drawing blood from her cursed flesh.

Notes:

This chapter ended up longer than initially intended. it was going to be around 700 but came out around 1100 instead.
The next chapter will likely be considerably longer since the burning will commence hehehe...

Okie dokie have a splendid evening/day/morning my bitches, bros and nonbinary hoes!

Chapter 5: Reunion

Summary:

Execution? date?
its fun when they aren't on the same page

Notes:

please note I definitely have made mistakes if there are any particularly heinous ones please do inform me.

Along with that Kudos and comments fuel writers so please do so if you'd like more.

"Father ...I crave violence." Lynette stared at Arlecchino who was busy watching Lyney preform one of his routines.

“What?” Arlecchino had genuinely not heard what Lynette had said. She had met up with her children in Fontain. She thought it good to destress by spending time with her children, but she found that her thoughts were still a bit of a haze.

“ I said that I crave… cotton candy… There's a market today, trying some of Fontain’s delicacies might just be wat Father needs,” Lynette offered. Arlecchino simply nodded.

“Father! you weren't watching!” Lyney scolded Arlecchino.

 

~~~

 

Neuvillette handed a stick of cotton candy to Focalors, “Thank you, Neuvi.”

“My pleasure miss,” Neuvillette groaned, If he had known she would wake up in a better mood he wouldn’t have offered to subsidize her snacks. Neuvillette pocketed his lightened wallet.

“Sorry about these last few days, Neuvillette, I’m not certain about what came over me…” Furina mindlessly took a bite from her prize.

The meandered through the crowds for a bit. Despite her Archon status, the people of Fontain never truly paid attention to her, a luxury she doubted other Archons were blessed with. She pushed through another group of people, Neuvillette, of course, following behind her, apologizing for the lack of tact. She observed the stalls of the bazar, trying to find the next stall to spend Neuvillette’s money at. It was when a particularly large group dispersed, that she briefly smelled rainbow roses.

Much to the bewilderment of Neuvillette, Furina stood uncharacteristically tall, peering into the crowds, like an otter sensing danger. But Furina hadn't sensed danger (even if she probably should have), she was the danger (hunting?). Then she spotted her - a woman. She was clad in greys and whites, accented by splashes of red. She would appear ordinary if it wasn’t for her fearsome presence that Furina could feel even where she stood.

This woman was dangerous, Furina could feel that. But surely, she thought, that could only be because she fears hot people and not because she was a criminal whose sole mission in Fontain was to kill her. Despite the fear, Furina pushed through the people to this mystery hot lady. As she got closer, she became certain that this scent was coming from her.

She pushed through one last group and came face to face with the woman.

 

~~~

 

Neuvillete was pushing through the crowds, chasing the little Archon, who just… took off in a random direction the minute prior. Why? He appeased the little Rascal with cotton candy, why was she misbehaving? Sometimes, he really felt she was more a broken child than an Archon, but that was an opinion he’d keep to himself.

He came to where Focalors was, and he froze, blood running cold. There, next to the fountain, the Hydro archon stood in front of the fourth Harbinger, Arlecchino. The Knave seemed passive enough. At that moment, it seemed she was more in fear of Focalors. Neuvillette felt his mind strain, trying to proses what was going on. She was an Archon, after all. Of course she’d be able to stand face to face with a Harbinger. Despite her childish disposition, She still wielded Fearsome power. Of course the Archon recognized the villain, And would act to protect her people. Focalors was moving closer, She seemed to be putting pressure on the Knave. Neuvillette's Hands felt clammy. Watching two beasts face to face was stressing him out.

 

~~~

 

Lynette and Lyney had abandoned their father at the fountain in search of cotton candy. As the crowds moved about around her, Arlecchino felt a pair of eyes trained on her. She turned quickly, only to find no one of note around her. She turned back to the fountain leaning down before a particularly sharp voice cut through her ears.

“You!” Focalors stood, glaring her down

Arlecchino felt a tinge of fear. The Archon was small, Probably not not made to run, She might be able to escape her… Unless her elemental prowess was effective at range. Would she be able to avoid the scorn of the woman she desecrated? Should she even? She would understand if the Archon wanted her dead for her transgression.

Before Arlecchino could think further, the Archon Straightened herself and approached. Without her normal shyness, Furina spoke. In an almost sultry voice she welcomed the strange woman “Greetings young miss… you aren't from her are you?” Furina pushed closer standing at an armlength trying to get a whiff of the woman's scent, unfortunately the wind wasn’t playing along with her. She kept her Expression soft and inviting.

Arlecchino tried relaxing. She could not let the Archon see that she was caught off guard, She could not show weakness. If she did they would surely pounce. Something irked her. None of the people around them paid any mind to the Archon. Of course that could only mean that she had a fearsome reputation, so ruthless not even her own citizens dared to lay eyes upon her. The Archons face was calm, she didn’t even feel threatened by the Assassin in front of her.

Furina grasped at Arlecchino's hand. She’d have to up the antics. The woman had remained stoic despite her attempt to woo her. She placed a soft kiss on the back of Arlecchino’s hand, continuing to hold on tightly even after her lips left the hand. She felt slightly creepy for having done that but all's fair in love and war. “Fontain's a dangerous place for a fair lady like your self… would you allow me to escort you through this fair?” she smiled inhaling the ladies scent. It was definitely her… who ever she was. She heard the woman's voice hitch. Success.

Arlecchino breathed in sharp. Her hand felt like it was aflame where the Archon’s warm lips had contacted her cold skin. Her hand was still in the grasp of Focalors, she was being held tight. Like she was being prevented from escaping. “That might be appreciated… my children have … abandoned me for the time being…” The Archon’s changed slightly, giving her a feeling of unease.

“Children? I don’t suppose that means you are taken?” Furina’s Grip on the hand loosened.

“I … They’re Orphans” Arlecchino answered.

“So… you aren’t in a Relationship? Her grasp tightened again.

“no…” She answered before she could stop herself. Why would the archon ask that? Was she asking if there would be anyone that would miss her? Was the Archon Asking if she could kill her with out remorse? The Archons mouth turned up further. Was she happy? No. Only her children could ever be happy looking at her… this had to be a façade. A false sense of safety before she was executed?

“come you should try our delicacies, if you have yet to. There’s a nice place that serves steak tartar.” Furina started walking pulling a confused Arlecchino with her (and being followed by a very confused Neuvillette.)

 

~~~

 

“forgive my impertinence for only enquiring now, What's your name, miss?” Furina placed down a plate of steak tartar on either side of a table in the rear end of a small restaurant. She motioned for Arlecchino to take a seat.

“My name is Arlecchino.” She offered in her normal monotone voice. Didn’t the Archon already know this… was it courtesy. That she may state her own name before she is executed. Was this her last meal, a final act of mercy from the beut- the Archon? She sat as she was directed to do. At least she should take her death in grace.

Furina took her seat across from Arlecchino. She really was beautiful. Eyes red as blood and hair as silver as the most polished blade. “That's a very pretty name… Khaenri'ahn in origin?” She watched Arlecchino closely as she took a bite of her food. She watched her lips move how she wondered they'd look as she consumed her, as she whimpered. RESPECT! ARCHONS! She’d only just met the woman (at least to what she could recall, weather or not she was her ‘visitor’ was yet to be determined). She stiffed any further thoughts in that regard, lest she’d come off as creepy. Her focus redirected as Arlecchino swallowed, oh how she would look-NO- she was about to speak she needed to pay proper attention.

“Thank you… it is, not many would call it that…” She felt a warm blush invade her features. At least the Archon was a most merciful executioner. Her voice made her feel two things: like she wanted to be in her arms and like she’d do anything to hear her name called by her.

They finished their food in comfortable silence (as much as there could be when Neuvillete stood face against the window watching them closely.

Arlecchino Finished her meal after Focalors, she wanted to savor it for some reason. Focalors sat watching her patiently, her blue eyes making her want to drown in them. But the moment could not last forever, she’d have to die now. “thank you very much, miss Archon, for this final meal”

“No thank you, for joining me! You may call me Focalors if you so chose.” Arlecchino's words seemed a bit strange, but she liked her. “Are you leaving Fontain?”

Arlecchino simply gave a curt nod. was she not going to be killed?

“unfortunate. If you find yourself in Fontain again please come visit me. I trust you know where to find me. It would have to be on weekends however, I do have my duties after all.” Furina smiled brightly. Hopefully she made a good impression and she’d actually want to come back. She stood up Motioning for Arlecchino to do the same.

Arlecchino Stood and followed her out, “I… Will try to find the time to visit…” She fidgeted, not sure what the Archon was planning. The feeling of being invited by the Archon seemed to somehow warm her up how ever.

“Yay, I’ll she you then! I’ll have some crepes prepared for you to taste, I think you'd enjoy them.” She waved as Arlecchino bowed, and started moving away.

“Good bye Arch- Focalors.” Arlecchino had spotted Lynette she’d likely began to wonder what happened to her.

“Bye, Arlecchino!” Furina smiled Fondly as she watched her merge into the crowd.

…

“The FUCK was that!” Neuvillette Yelled.

Notes:

Hopefully the next release will be in a more timely manner.
Don't forgor to kudo and comment!

Enjoy your evening <3
-c

Chapter 6: Vile

Summary:

Furina gushes finally knowing who Arlecchino is.

meanwhile Arlecchino is put to work and finds something worrying...

Notes:

I wrote this in like an hour or three or four probably
love spontaneous motivation
So if you fuel me just maybe you could get an update tomorrow!
enjoy

“What do you mean what was that?” Furina asked, “She seemed okay with it…” She had some what forgotten that Neuvillette had been with her before.

It dawned on Neuvillette, of course, Focalors decided to handle the matter amicably, than fighting in the square. “I… I see”

By the time Neuvillette had looked up again Furina was already gone

 

~~~

 

“Father?”

Arlecchino had picked a direction and walked after departing from the side of the Archon. “Hmm… Lynette.“ she acknowledged her child’s presence.

“Who was that?“ Lynette trotted up to her father’s side.

“She was… a woman…“ Arlecchino was unsure what to make of her and the Archon’s interaction. Why was she invited back? Into the Archon’s home, no less...

“I… Can see that… But who was she?” Lynette raised an eyebrow towards Arlecchino.

“I believe she was the Archon.“ Arlecchino stopped once she reached a railing, preventing her from falling into the water. She stood there overlooking the water. She saw that down along the walkway, Lyney was entertaining some on-lookers with one of his performances.

“Father went on a date with the Archon! Impressive.” Lynette grinned cheekily.

“It wasn’t anything of the sort… I think she’s just concerned about the safety of her citizens…. A woman like that would never wish to court or to be courted by the likes of me…” she stared at her hands… was it just her, or had the darkness receded a bit?

 

~~~

 

Furina was alone in her room… Gushing…

She squealed, holding onto Mister Snuggles and kicking her feet. “She’s perfect, Snuggles, like, you would not believe! She has the prettiest of eyes!” she squealed again, and her hands… I don’t know what happened to them to turn them black, but wow, they were pretty!“

She gasped, sitting up and holding the bear out in front of her as if it had any capability to absorb anything she was telling to it. “And her voice, AAAaAAaH!“ she flopped back down and rolled onto her side ”Ugh, I would have begged to hear her speak just a little more… She’s so pretty! What I’d do to be courted by her!“

 

~~~

 

“Knave, you are to exterminate the Abyssal hordes that have amassed on the coast.” The Tsaritsa had commanded the moment she stepped back into Snezhnaya.

It appears as though, in her absence, along with that of Capitano and Ajax (presumably sent to Archon’s knows where to go provide a generous amount of headache to anyone who wasn’t the Tsaritsa) that the Abyss had made moves imposing on the capital… which was strange. Colombina’s presence was normally enough to deter the critters, but that appeared to be the case no more.

So now, she was out in the Snezhnian wilderness, cutting down a gathering of Abyss mages.

She wanted to finish this quest quickly to be able to take the hydro-Archon up on their offer. And to be able to return to her children… she’d have to warn them to avoid any floating puffballs.

She zoned back in as she buried the head of her scythe into the back of a frost mage. They yelled something, causing ice to ensnare her leg before they turned into dust. She blocked an oncoming onslaught from the leftover mages using her scythe. She broke herself free, flying forward and burying the rear end of her weapon in another mages chest, killing them before they could release another spell. With the other end, she swiftly divided the last two remaining mages. She was about to leave, but noticed a vile of… black blood lying on the floor. Curious. The monsters of Teyvat disappeared after death turning into nothing more than dust. She picked it up. It was definitely theirs. She’s seen it leaking out of their masks before. But if they were all dead, the blood could not be theirs. Who’s was it then? And what were they doing with it?

 

~~~

 

Dottore held the vile up against the light. “Well, it isn’t human, that’s for sure. But it’s also not just abyssal blood.”

“How can you tell?” Arlecchino looked over her shoulder, pausing a conversation she was having with Pantalone, who was there for some ‘inexplicable’ reason.

“It’s… Got a sheen to it…” He tilted it again.

“What does that mean? What do you think they’re up to?”

“Fuck if I know.” Dotore slammed down the vile (gently).

“Dotore!“ Pantalone quipped. ”We talked about language!“

“Sorry, sorry, it’s getting better at least?” Dotore defended himself

Pantalone sighed. “I swear, the last time you delivered your report, I thought she would kill you for swearing”

“True, Frosty did seem unusually bothered by my language…” Dottore reflected.

“ Did… something happen?” Arlecchino asked. She watched Pantalone approach Dottore and lay his arms around his waist, planting his head on his shoulder.

“No occurrence is solely to blame…” Pantalone began

“But she has been especially snappy since yesterday,” Dottore grumbled, twisting his neck to place a kiss on Pantalones cheek. “Before Ajax was tossed to the wind, he let it slip to me that supposedly, Columbina has something to do with it… Supposedly, she's acting different…”

“You don't think it`s-” Arlecchino began.

“Nope” Pantalone stated flatly

“yeah I agree with Pantalone, more likely than not her current behavior isn`t because of the breakup… I suspect some thing else to be at work”

“Hmm…” Arlecchino grumbled. Her interactions with Columbina after their break up was… limited at the best of times. “Do you think ‘Frosty’ would allow me to go back to Fontain for a bit?”

“Why?” the men asked in unison.

“Focalors invited me to her home… We had lunch together.” She stated.

“WHAT! Both men Exclaimed in unison.

“You went on a date with the Hydro Archon?!” Dotore Stared wide eyed. “Damn gurl, didn`t know you had game like that.”

“Dotore… love…“ Pantalone sighed

“what!” Dottore protested

“Isn’t this directly opposing the orders of the Tsaritsa?” Pantalone had a tinge of worry in his voice.

“It is… Unfortunately… it`s not like I can go toe to toe with the Archon, now that she knows my face.” Arlecchino raised her hands, there really was nothing she could do.

Pantalone sighed. “she might be willing, but you have to be on stand by with all the Abyss mages mucking about.”

“Yeah so be fully prepared to have your Date interrupted by what will lets be honest here Ajax“ Dottore laughed

Arlecchino paused Dottore laughing internally that the prospect of being interrupted by Ajax would stun her so

“Dottore?” broke out of her thoughts

“Yes?” he questioned

“when Did you stop making your clones, its been a while since I've seen one wander around.” Arlecchino asked

“Uh… I got a bit bored… You know you should probably go ask the Tsaritsa … before it gets too late…” A light sweat plastered his forehead.

Notes:

If i get some ting horribly wrong lore or grammar please do tell.
if you enjoyed please kudo or comment
it is my fuel
and don`t worry i don`t bite unless I'm asked

Enjoy your evening/day

Chapter 7: is this a date?

Summary:

Tsaritsa is an icy paranoid bitch.
And Arlecchino visits Furina as promised and they have crepes.

Notes:

i'm trying a different writing style only slightly though so please let me know if its an improvement on before.

P.s the person who corrected the spelling errors for me cried when they accidentally thought they deleted their correcting lmao
Enjoy.

Much to Arlecchino's surprise, the Tsaritsa did allow her leave to Fontain. However, it did come with the condition that if Arlecchino was needed and was called upon she was to respond immediately.

“Of course I need to know where you are.” The Ice queen stared her down. Observing.

“The Palais Mermonia.” Unfortunately, and despite wanting to, Arlecchino could not lie.

The Tsaritsa got up from her elevated seat. An Icy wind streamed down towards Arlecchino. “Are you Betraying me, Knave? Have you gone so mad, that you will admit to my face that you are betraying the Harbingers?” Her voice was cold and dominating.

Ice had started to cling to Arlecchino’s hair and lashes. “No, Your Highness!”

The cold air subsided, but still tense. “Then why are you in the home of the very archon I ordered you to kill?”

“When I returned… to Fontain for my children, there happened to be a festival, at which the Archon saw me… we had lunch and then she invited me to her home. I suspect she intends to relay a warning to the Harbingers through me.” Arlecchino looked through her frozen lashes at the Tsaritsa.

The Tsaritsa sank into her throne. The cold wind stopped blowing through the room, filling the room with silence. Only the ruffle of the Tsaritsa’s clothes reverberated through the chamber. She looked Towards Arlecchino. Her eyes followed the length of the table filling the space between them. The table she sat at with the first Harbingers. NEVER AGAIN.

“You may go.” She ordered. Arlecchino walked towards the doors, reaching out to open them.

“BUT IF YOU BETRAY ME, KNAVE, THERE WILL BE DIRE CONSEQUENCES!” The declaration was followed by a strong gust of frosty wind. The doors flew open, a layer of ice quickly forming over the intricate details etched into the door. The Guards beyond the doors peeked around its edges to see what happened.

Arlecchino’s back was cold, a thin layer of frost covering her too. She turned back to the desolate gray chamber and bowed. “Of course, your majesty.” She stepped beyond the doors. They slammed closed behind her. The sound of ice hitting the floor could be heard faintly from the other side.

~~~

The afternoon sun was unkind to Arlecchino's eyes. Golden rays caused the marble exterior of the Palais Mermonia to shine brightly. The Golden accents of the building only added to its splendor. Normally, the combination of white, gold and blue seemed quite gaudy to her. But with the Archon’s home, it elevated the elegance of the woman who ruled Fontain and its people. It highlighted her power and beauty without making the rest of Fontain seem beneath the place. It showed the care the Archon had and her willingness to be fair to her people despite her power, perhaps even demonstrating her sacrifices.

“Knave!?” the voice of a man came from behind her. “No, Miss Focalors, don't run towards her!”

She turned to see Focalors dashing towards her from just passed the fountain out front the mansion.

Furina was wildly swinging her arm above her as she ran to wards her. “Miss Arlecchino! I’m so happy you came! I almost di-”

The Archon’s ankle gave way underneath her as she stepped on a paving tile that rested unevenly. In a blaze of red energy, Arlecchino rushed forward.

~~~

Furina had closed her eyes just before she fell (which took her embarrassingly long, even as the ground came up to meet her). But she never hit the ground. She carefully opened her eyes, feeling a warm and strong arm supporting her from below.

“Are you okay, Lord Focalors?” Arlecchino lifted Focalors into her arms. Bridal style.

“I…I…I… I think I sprained my ankle…” Furina was turned into a blushing mess. But she could turn this in her favor still. “Thank you… My hero.” Furina reached her arms around Arlecchino’s neck to hold on tighter.

Arlecchino felt a foreign warm feeling invade her face. She liked being complimented like that. She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted.

“What do you think you are doing? Put her down, Knave.” Neuvillette was preparing to charge the knave despite being well aware she may be out of his combat class.

“Neuvillette! She was being chivalrous! And don't call her that. It’s rude!“ Furina chastised the old lizard. ”Come, Arlecchino lets go get you your promised crepe.“ Furina huffed and pointed up to the large doors.

Arlecchino started ascending the stairs. One or two maids raised their eyebrows, spotting them through the windows.

“Uh… you can put me down.” Furina offered shyly.

“Nonsense. What kind of ‘hero’ would let an Archon walk on an injured limb? I’m being… chivalrous as you called it.” Without realizing, when Furina had offered to be let down she held Furina tighter to her chest.

~~~

Neuvillette was left stunned out front on the stairs. He would stay there, (unintentionally) stunned, until Arlecchino left. (The poor old lizard)

~~~

Furina pointed her way through The Palais Mermonia, being carried by her chariot (Arlecchino). Ignoring the giggles coming from her maid staff, she directed Arlecchino to her study - a quaint room, lined with books along the walls, with a desk in front of a tall window. A small round table stood in the corner, just behind the door, two chairs surrounded it (the second one placed by the maid staff to make it look less… lonely). Against the book wall, directly as you came in stood a sleeper couch with a coffee table in front of it that didn’t quite suite the size of the couch. The smell of paper and ink stained the air. The small mountain of books and paper on the desk was most likely the culprit.

“Deloris! Won’t you please prepare crepes for my guest and myself? Thank you, Deloris!” Furina called to the older maid, who stood at the base of the staircase just before the study, just before they entered the room. “But first, some tea, please!”

“As you wish, Madame.” The old woman said before marching off to the kitchen to supply the Archon and her paramour with their desired items.

Furina pointed to the seats in the corner. Arlecchino placed her down in her chair and took the seat closest to the door. They sat in silence for a short time before the tea arrived. Arlecchino was content to sit in silence. Presumably the Archon was considering how to relay her warning. Furina was processing, that she was carried bridal style in front of all her staff. A younger girl brought in their tea, bowing politely before she left.

“So Arlecchino, what is it that you have been doing since we last spoke?” Furina finally broke the silence that had formed.

“Monster subjugation…” Arlecchino replied dryly trying to not give away too much information about what was going on in Snezhnaya.

“Oh so you’re like really tough?” Furina leaned over the table in excitement. Almost knocking over her cup.

“I… Do have a … reputation for it.”

“OH WOW! You’re famous?”

“In away…”

“So are you’re Mercenary?”

“In exchange for my services I’m allowed to operate my orphanages… and some protections are extended to them.” Arlecchino paused for a moment, she did like talking about her children. But she didn't want to scare off the Archon, even if they were only having small talk for now. The look she received from Focalors gave her a clear indication to keep going. “I came under control of the orphanage after it’s director… died.”

“that’s a shame…”

“It’s not, I assure you. They treated the children horribly. I’m not sure why I felt so compelled to take care of them but I think its because… there was same one I failed to help… I just don’t want to leave them to suffer…”

“Arlecchino…”

“They’re all so sweet, They just need to realize how much potential they have. That they aren’t helpless… Miss Focalors? Are you all right?”

When Arlecchino remembered to look at the person she was speaking to she realized that Focalors was crying.“ Yes… Yes i'm all right just… that was so sweet.” Furina retrieved a handkerchief and blew her nose. “I’m so happy they have such a great caregiver like you.”

You think I'm a great caregiver?“

“of course, you clearly care allot for these children.”

They were interrupted by Deloris coming in to deliver the crepes. She silently placed the crepes on the coffee table and flashed Focalors a cheeky smirk before leaving and shutting the door behind herself.

Furina picked up what was being put down for her. “lets go sit over there” She pointed towards the couch.

Arlecchino stood up and approached the couch only stopping when she didn’t hear Furina's footsteps follow.

“Could I... Get some help maybe?” Furina didn’t need help, her healing abilities had taken care of her ankle already, she just wanted to be carried.

“Yes of course miss”

Furina blushed as she was lifted effortlessly from her seat and subsequently laid down gently on the couch (was this how it would feel when she was laid to bed?).

~~~

They each had different crepes, Furina received a crepe with blue berries, whereas Arlecchino received one with strawberries. They each took bites from their respective treats.

“It’s … very good.” Arlecchino liked the sweet taste it was delicate and refreshing.

“Right? Here have some of mine!” Before Arlecchino could protest, a fork full of Focalors crepe was in her mouth. It was delicious, more than her own. Was it because blue berries were better or because it came from the Archon?

“Would you like some of mine?”

“Hmn… yes please.” Furina already knew how it tasted, she just wanted it because it was on Arlecchino’s plate.

Arlecchino staked a piece of hers for Focalors But as she brought it up to the Archons mouth it fell off her fork. Quickly her hand darted forward catching the falling piece mid air. Saving the couch they were sitting on.

She brought back her hand to stake a new piece for the Archon, but her hand was sieged and directed towards the Archons mouth. The piece of crepe was eaten gently off the flat of her hand. A soft moan came from the stoic assassin when she felt the Archons tongue glide over her palm. The syrup from the crepe had run down her fingers and was being cleaned up by the Archon. Soon her nimble tongue was in-between her fingers cleaning up what was there. When Focalors had her thumb in her mouth, Arlecchino managed to say some thing. “Focalors…”

Furina quivered at hearing her name come from that mouth, she needed to hear it again… she wanted to hear that sinful moan again. She bit softly around Arlecchino's thumb leaving small indents on the blackened skin. Arlecchino gasped, suddenly the air she needed was no where to be found all while Focalors was running her tongue slowly over her thumb in her mouth.

Suddenly a knock came from the window They separated quickly and Arlecchino stood defensively towards the window.

It… Was ajax.

His (stupid) face against the window. Arlecchino Cursed walked up to the window opened it and pulled him through by the throat. “what?”

Cocking he managed to relay something. “Capitano… ech… He found some thing to do with… ech” Another squeeze to the throat told him to hurry it up. “It’s related to the Abyss… She wants you back immediately.”

“Miss Focalors… I’m-” Arlecchino began but was stopped by the kind smile from the Archon.

“Its fine my dear I understand you have duties to fulfill.” Furina was disappointed but she could see this wasn't a matted Arlecchino Could ignore.

“I could… Return if you’d like”

“That would be nice.” Furina smiled.

“I’ll ask one of the maids to help you to your room… I’m sorry … Miss Focalors-”

“Its fine Arlecchino, I’m Happy that you spent time with me… Now go before he turns more purple..” Furina laughed. Arlecchino left the room but not before gently caressing Focalors hand on the way out. Ajax hung limply from her other hand as she dragged him over the floor. White foam starting to accumulate in the corners of his mouth.

~~~

“Capitano…?” From where did she recognize that name.

Notes:

Please tell me what you think
kudos and Comments are welcome!

I am going to have a busy week so don't be surprised if it takes me a week or two to upload
this chapter was longer than normal so it makes up for it.

Chapter 8: so romantic-part1

Summary:

midnight visit gone wrong

Notes:

just a quick half chapter- maybe tomorrow i pop out the other half
hope you enjoy it

Arlecchino felt the toll of the mission on her body. They ended up not finding anything, they prevented an Abyssal assault on the capital, but she knew that was not the break through capitano thought he had and not the one the Tsaruitsa was looking for.

she pulled herself onto Focalors’ marble balcony. She walked through the open door, being waved in by the curtains. like a welcome visitor she just walked into the room, after all it had been a few days since she’d promised to speak to the Archon again. She deemed it necessary to speak with the Archon as soon as possible, to not leave them waiting a moment longer. that would be why she was there in the dead of night looming over the sleeping figure in the bed. The room was in near total darkness only the rays of light from the moon brought any light into it. The blue hue left the room to appear under water. Arlecchino leaned over and held her head over the blankets where she believed her head to be. “Miss Focalors… I hope this is not a terrible time to come to you?” she heard nothing coming from beneath the duvet. Arlecchino decided to lift the offending fabric from the Archon’s face. But she was interrupted… a familiar ethereal voice.

“It could never be… no” Her voice was beautiful, but it held something within, even Arlecchino could tell. she turned around to find the archoon in a silk night dress consealed within the haddovs of the balcony doorway. eyes hidden.

“Miss Foca…”

“No it could never be a terrible time-” her Voice was sharper now, angry, eve cutting Arlecchino off. leaving no room for her to speak. “to have the Knave in your bedroom in the dead of night”

Arlecchino stood frozen the archon had stepped forward- she looked- disturbed. her eyes were slightly teary the vibrant bules swirling violently within them. she stepped back her calved pressing against the bedframe.

“why are you in Fontain.” It was not a question. there was no hint of the Focalors Arlecchino knew no hint of playfulness.

“to speak with you.” Arlecchino felt her chest grow tight and her muscles prepare to move she wanted to move back but the bed was in the way.

“really?” Furina walked over to the bed side table and picking up a candle stick.

One moment she was standing next to the bed the next she was on the floor pinned down at the hips by Focalors legs. The Archon held the golden candle stick above her head poised to strike. “BECAUSE I’M PRETTY FUCKING CERTAIN YOU”RE JUST HERE TO FUCKING KILL ME.“

“Focalors…”

“HOW EASY I MUST HAVE LOOKED TO YOU! BRINGING YOU INTO MY HOME! just a desperate Archon … were you going to tell me… OR WERE YOU GOING TO LET ME FIGURE THAT OUT WHEN YOU KILLED ME!” Furina was crying now, tears rained onto Arlecchino’s jacket.

Arlecchino was stunned. She was still processing what she was being asked. she hated seeing Focalors cry. she reached up to cup the Archon’s face.

for a moment her grip on the candle stick loosened, “you’re just another assassin.” The turmoil in Focalors eyes vanished, replaced by a cold dark dreadful blue. That of the ocean when it swallows sailors forever.

Notes:

what will happen next? will Arlecchino be able to save the situation? find out in Part 2
tahnks for the suport you guys have been giving me hopefully i can bring the other half of the chapter soon
ill read it through tomorrow and fix any agregious errors, but if you see something please do say.
thank you and enjoy your evening/day

Chapter 9: Lovers quarel

Summary:

oh .... oh no

It was sudden, the shift. Gently cupping the teary-eyed face of the archon… to pushing Focalors back and leaping away, finding her back against a wall, her dominant arm broken.

“Just another assassin.” Then the shift came, her eyes, then her grip tightened. The candlestick came down towards her face. Arlecchino reflexively braced with her arm. She knew the archon would be powerful, but it was a level of strength she still did not expect. Her dominant arm, shattered in a single strike.

Furina got up off the floor. She had been pushed over. Cold tears streamed from her eyes, yet they were still dark. Arlecchino was braced against a wall, her broken arm hanging limp at her side. She was clearly in pain, yet her face held that same expressionless terror the others had. Scared, but their hearts too far from human to let their emotions show. She should have known. Arlecchino’s emotions were so muted after all. At least those that she showed. She should have known, shouldn’t have let her in.

Furina began to approach, her grip on the candlestick tightening. She moved quickly, and the room glowed brighter blue.

Arlecchino didn’t want to hurt Focalors. She believed she wanted to kill her, and showing any signs that could verify that would be dangerous. She tried summoning her weapon into her still-working hand, the curve of the scythes blade pointing away from Focalors, her hold weak. She tried moving to block the strike she saw coming.

Furina raised the candle stick up to strike again, but the red emanating from Arlecchino challenging her blue made her change course. She dropped the candle stick and ducked under the shaft.

Bone crunched as Focalors’s fist landed against Arlecchino’s side. Immediately, the red weapon vanished, and she slammed against a wall. Sliding down to the floor, she felt that, for once, there really was no escape. The hand of the archon found her throat.

Arlecchino slid over the floor of the room, stopping just in front of the balcony doors. But she was pinned down again. Focalors threw punches towards her face. She tried blocking them, but one slipped through her defences, hitting her face. It knocked something loose. Something she thought she would never feel again.

A single tear trailed down from her eye. One hot tear. To her, it felt like it burned the skin as it rolled over her cheek.

Furina’s onslaught stopped. She saw the tear. Her prominent blue glow faded. Perhaps it was the fact that she saw something, proving Arlecchino human. Perhaps it was because she hurt someone enough to draw a tear. She stopped.

Yes.

Just someone.

That’s all she was.

Tears started flowing from her eyes, splattering gently against Arlecchino’s coat.

Arlecchino went a strange kind of limp. Not giving up, not fully relaxed. Just tired. Breathing hurt. The tiles were cold, icy. But what drew her attention most was what she was feeling, sickness, what could be guilt. Her heart was beating hard in her ears. Fear. About what would happen next.

“I Can’t let you go. Sorry”

Furina weakly raised her fist.

and the Arlecchino was out cold with one strike to the face.

Notes:

sesbian lex next?

Chapter 10: some healthy torture

Notes:

here my hungry children i present the om noms
tomorrow i will mabye post the next chapter with the actual smut
but i did promise to post tonight so i present this smal chapter
note it will be reposted when the second half is unleashed
enjoys i slep
mhaw

Ripples of pain washed over her as she woke up. Dull pain in her arm and ribs. She can feel it`s been wrapped tightly. Her breathing is shallow, hampered by whatever has ensnared her. Her head was drumming as she slowly moved it around. A sudden feeling of nausea caused her to slump back forward. It’s cold, not as cold as home, but cold enough to be uncomfortable.

A door whines somewhere in front of her. It slams closed, causing her to wince. She tries to open her eyes… she can’t see. Are her eyes swollen shut? No, she can feel pressure on her eyes between the thumps of her headaches. The cold wind that brushed her skin told her her jacket had been removed.

Heel adorned footsteps echo and come to a standstill in front of her. Arlecchino turns her head up towards the person, but she can`t lift it quite all the way.

She is seized by the face and pushed to look up further “My eyes are up here, darling…” the raspy voice of Focalors cut through the silence. Had she been crying? Wait… what had she been looking at? Her face is turned side to side.

“Not all that scary with those pretty little imposing eyes of yours covered, now are you?”

“You think my eyes are pretty?” Arlecchino let out a light laugh. It was interrupted when Focalors pulled her head back by her hair.

“Who told you you could speak, Knave.”

Arlecchino let out a whimper. She bit down on her lip to keep quiet.

“Good girl,” Focalors snickered, “Now, what were you doing in my nation?”

“I came to visit-” she was interrupted again with a pull. She had to bite down a moan. Was she… enjoying this?

“What was your real purpose for coming here, your first purpose…” she brought her mouth right up to Arlecchino’s ear, “what were your orders?”

Arlecchino swallowed thickly, “I can’-”

Focalors grabbed her by the throat pushing her up in the chair she was seated in, “I don’t think you understand your position… you… are at my mercy, you are lucky I don’t kill you for deceiving me.” she squeezed her neck before letting go. “and how easily i could, so tell me.”

“To eliminate the Hydro Archon and retrieve the Gnosis…”

“And you actually thought you could do it?”

Focalors put her hand on the side of Arlecchino’s face. Arlecchino whined at the touch, “No…”

“I don’t think I like how you’re addressing me, Arlecchino…”

“No… miss Focalors”

“that’s better… good girl…” she placed her thumb on Arlecchino’s lip, “tell me… do you like the Tsaritsa.“

“No… miss Focalors.” why was she feeling… things. She squeezed her legs together to suppress a blooming heat.

“What do you think of me?” Focalors’s hand left her cheek she moved to chase the fleeting heat of her hand but was held back by restraints around her wrists.

“I think your a strong ruler an…” she paused.

“And?” The cold tip of a dagger, maybe a sword, pressed against Arlecchino’s chin.

“I-I- find you… pleasing to look at…”

“What’s your safe word.” Arlecchino gasped lightly.

“Miss-” her cheeks were burning. She couldn’t pretend to not know what was being asked, she did date Colombina after all, it just… took her by surprise.

“You may put a stop to what I'm doing at any time…” the tip of what ever was in the Archon’s hand trailed down her neck and over her chest. She inhaled sharply when it stopped… Focalors really would not go any further if she didn’t give a word. The skin just below the blade was blazing and the Archon’s scent was intoxicating.

“Crepe…”

Focalors paused, there was the movement like something was being taken off. “Mine will be Ruler.” The implement blazed past her wrists, ropes fell away and it wasn’t even a second later that she heard the metal clatter into some soon to be forgotten corner. She was still in a state of semi-shock when Focalor’s hand pulled her onto her knees onto the floor. It hurt, not that the battle hardened assassin minded, but she did notice that something was laid down where her knees met the floor to spare her some comfort. “What is it you desire…” her voice was commanding, powerful… Hungry.

“You,” she growled in a low tone.“

Notes:

short to start, but I do believe sweet.

*Editor's notes: "It would be dishounorable to kill her now... right?" No, honey, you're just gay... *